GSP Forces ATV Rider to Crash to End Pursuit

Trooper's Report:

On May 2, 2021 I was one of multiple Troopers participating in a multi-agency operation referred
to as: Operation Reclamation. This operation was to address the growing volume of lawless car clubs
plaguing certain areas in Bibb county. At approximately 1830 hours, I was advised by Aviation Division
Sergeant Hamilton Halford that there were 15-20 dirt bikes and four wheelers on Emory Highway
and Jeffersonville Road. These recreational vehicles were driving on public roadways with no regard
for the motoring public and they displayed zero intent to obey the traffic laws. I arrived in the area at
approximately 1840 hours. While I was traveling northeast on Main Street, I observed a blue 2021
Yamaha 450R four-wheeler traveling southwest on Main Street and proceed to turn right onto Maynard
Street. Upon observing the four-wheeler, I noted that the recreational vehicle did not have a
registration plate affixed to the rear. I activated my emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop at
approximately 1842 hours. The driver, a black male subject wearing black pants, a gray pullover, chrome dome style helmet, and pink backpack. As soon as I activated my emergency lights, the driver
attempted to flee. He traveled north on Maynard Street at a high rate of speed. The driver traveled
through the intersection of Maynard Street and Emory Highway while the traffic control device was on
its solid circular red cycle. The driver continued north and proceeded to turn left onto Cowan Street.
Once on Cowan Street, the driver traveled west and then turned left onto Fort Hill Street. It should be
noted that the driver made no attempt to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of Cowan Street and
Fort Hill Street. A grey Nissan Maxima was traveling south on Fort Hill Street, approaching Cowan
Street, when the four-wheeler made its left turn. The driver of the Maxima was forced to slam on
brakes to avoid a collision. The four-wheeler continued south on Fort Hill Street and turned right onto
Emory Highway. When the four-wheeler turned right onto Emory Highway, he did so while the traffic
control device was on is solid circular red cycle. In addition, there were multiple vehicles occupying the
left and right westbound lane of Emory Highway. Had in not been for attentive drivers that were able to
make effective, evasive maneuvers, the four-wheeler could have caused a collision. Once on Emory
Highway, the four-wheeler continued west at a high rate of speed. It was clearly apparent that the
driver of the four-wheeler had no regard for the safety of the motoring public, and he was willing to take
any measure necessary to avoid capture. As the four-wheeler approached Second Street, the traffic
control device was on its solid circular red cycle. As we continued west, I knew that the four-wheeler
was approaching Spring Street / North Avenue. This particular intersection is heavily populated and an
active construction zone. In order to terminate the pursuit prior to entering this intersection, I used a
channelization technique to negotiate the four-wheeler to the shoulder of the roadway. The attempt
was successful, and the driver attempted to turn right onto Wilson Street. Upon turning right onto
Wilson Street, the four-wheeler traveled over warped asphalt that caused the driver fall off the fourwheeler.
I immediately turned around and approached the driver. He was on the ground with his torso
elevated and facing away from me. The driver’s right arm was tucked to his left side and had the initial
appearance as though he was reaching for a weapon. The driver rotated to his back and had a
grimace on his face that I could not tell if it was out of pain or anger. The driver continued to rotate to
his right side which gave him a clear line of site to myself and my vehicle. I opened by driver door and
drew my Glock Model 45 from my holster as I was exiting the
vehicle. I directed my Glock Model 45 towards the driver while giving him loud, clear verbal commands
to get on his stomach. The driver proceeded to sit up by elevating his torso off the asphalt. I could not
tell if the driver’s intentions were to flee, retrieve a weapon, or if he was in pain. I continued to give the
driver commands to get on his stomach and place his hands behind his back. The driver seemed very
reluctant at first but did obey my commands. The driver was taken into custody without further incident.
While conducting a search of the driver’s person and belongings, I located suspected marijuana
in the front pocket of the backpack wrapped in clear plastic wrap. In addition, I located a F&N Model
509 9mm handgun in the main compartment of the backpack. The weapon had an extended magazine
with twenty four 9mm rounds of ammunition. I checked the weapon through GCIC and there was no
record on file. The driver was identified by his Georgia Identificatio to
be: Thomas, Demonta Tijae. Mr. Thomas was transported to
the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center.